TV Viewing Distance

LucianH

Thank you iwb100 and almillar. I recognise that there is normally no real issue in viewing SD content on a large HD screen. With the 46” I have with a viewing distance of 9ft it is totally acceptable. The problem I have, and the thing I was concerned with when I started this thread, was the quality of the broadcasts on Freeview and how watchable these would be when displayed on a large screen.

When I used term blurred/blocky I was referring to the artefacts caused by the compression used during the broadcast and has nothing to do with the resolution. What I have confirmed is that I personally find that these can make for unacceptable viewing on the screen-size/viewing-distance ratio that I have. Now this isn’t on every broadcast and the watching of programs on the full screen size makes for pleasant viewing for most of the time. There are, however, instances when it is not (for example, “Extreme Fishing with Robson Green” on 5* that I've just watched) - in these instances, the Smart View option that the Samsung TV has (which reduces the effect screen size to about 34”) is far more watchable and I’m not too concerned about the reduction is screen size for the occasional program.

I realise that this will very much be a personal preference. But a main observation (and relief after spending about 12 hundred quid on a 46” TV that I had concerns may be too large!) is that I’m really chuffed that Samsung have included the Smart View mode that I can use for these poor broadcasts. And viewing full HD content is stunning. It’s a really good compromise and I look forward to the time when more HD channels are available.

almillar

Lucian - understood. I see artifacts in rubbish broadcasts all the time too. I know that some other brands have some features for helping rubbish broadcasts look better. For sets that don't, having the sharpness turned up (sounds good?) can make this problem worse, and ADD artifacts. You should experiment with turning the sharpness down. You should leave the sharpness alone for HD stuff though.
For me, I think it's ridiculous to buy a smaller TV, or sit further away, to suit the WORST material. I'd rather set up for the BEST material, and if the bad stuff looks bad enough, and people stop watching it, maybe the broadcasters will learn.